As the entire state government machinary including LG Manoj Sinha is gearing up for smooth and safe conduct of Shri AMarnath Yatra 2025, the Jammu and Kashmir Food and Drugs Administration (FDA) has issued a comprehensive advisory to all langar organisers, outlining mandatory food safety and hygiene practices.
Along side massive security grid which is being out in place, the advisory ahead of annual pilgrimage , is aimed at preventing food-borne illnesses and maintaining public health standards during the pilgrimage that attracts lakhs of devotees each year.According to the advisory, langar operators must first obtain valid FSSAI food registration by applying online through the designated portal. A minimal registration fee along with identification documents of the responsible person is required. Without this registration, no langar will be permitted to operate.
It further mandates that all food handlers must wear clean uniforms and headgear and maintain strict personal hygiene while preparing or handling food. They must also undergo medical examination by registered medical practitioners to ensure they are fit to serve.Potable water must be used for all food preparation and cleaning activities. The advisory also stresses on maintaining cleanliness across vending and preparation areas. Cooked and raw foods should be stored separately under controlled temperatures to avoid cross-contamination, and separate chopping boards and knives must be used for raw and cooked food items.
Langar organisers have been directed to keep refrigeration equipment such as freezers and chillers in good working condition and to defrost them regularly. Cooking practices must follow safety standards, with all food cooked at or above 72°C. Hot food should be maintained at temperatures above 60°C, cold food below 5°C, and frozen products at temperatures lower than -18°C.
Meanwhile, LG Sinha has appeals devotees to turn up in large numbers for Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra, which is scheduled to begin from July 3.
Addressing a press conference in Raj Bhawan, Srinagar on June 27, the Lieutenant Governor said that security grid has been strengthened, multi-layer security is in place and army, CAPFs, J&K Police have ensured all necessary measures for a safe pilgrimage. All necessary arrangements have been made for the pilgrims coming for the Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra and for hassle free Darshan at the holy cave.
The Lieutenant Governor said that an atmosphere of spiritual fervour has filled the air at Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra base camps and Shri Amarnath Ji Shrine Board (SASB) has made preparations for all essential facilities including movement, lodging, electricity, water, sanitation, communication and health of the pilgrims. LG also held meeting with all important politicians of Kashmir seeking their support in making Yatra smooth and incident free. The Lieutenant Governor pointed out that significant achievements were made by SASB in the last two years in creating pilgrims-centric facilities.
Follow us
